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3 million children immunized against measles in Côte d'Ivoire

December 2008

WHO/H. Hasan

In November 2008, the Government of Côte d'Ivoire conducted a nationwide measles immunization campaign targeting children from nine months to five years.

Côte d'Ivoire has suffered from significant periods of crisis, beginning with a coup in 1999 and then the conflict in 2002. With a peace agreement signed, general elections are expected to take place in 2009. According to the WHO-UNICEF immunization coverage estimates, in 2007, only 67% of children received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday through routine health services.

Organized with support from WHO, the Measles Initiative and other partner agencies, this year's campaign aimed to immunize 3.2 million children. The objective of the campaign was to provide all children under the age of five with a second opportunity for measles vaccination.

This photo story illustrates how this immunization campaign was successfully carried out.